The SPL aces Portsmouth, Sunderland, Derby and every EFL club could sign on a pre-contract

However, that doesn’t mean that future planning behind the scenes are on hold.

The Blues will continue to discuss potential new players that could be recruited – and that’s regardless of whether Kenny Jackett earns a new contract beyond the season’s end.

Head of recruitment Phil Boardman will be watching players across England, as well as scouring a varity of leagues across Europe.

Free agents have proven their weight in gold for Pompey in recent seasons. The likes of Tom Naylor, Lee Brown, Craig MacGillivray and Sean Raggett were all recruited for absolutely nothing.

The Blues will undoubtedly be keeping tabs on who they could pick up for a bargain.

And if it is a player outside of England, they’re now able to sign a pre-contract before joining on July 1.

It's something that Scottish clubs have already taken advantage of. Rangers have agreed deals with Bournemouth pair Nnamdi Ofoborh and Jack Simpson, while Celtic have recruited Liam Shaw from Sheffield Wednesday.

But what about Pompey prising players from the SPL to Fratton Park before the season is out?

We've had a look at some of names that could be on the radar….